In today’s WAYB Pico Review, we aim to give you an unbiased in-depth analysis of the product so you can decide whether this is for you.
Making the decision on a booster seat can be a challenge. You must consider safety, ease of use, comfortability, as well as suitability for your child and vehicle.
There is a lot to consider!
We understand that this can be a daunting task for you as a parent. Our WAYB Pico review is in an attempt to help your decision process.
Overall, Pico booster seats are perfect for frequent travelers as they can be easily folded into a compact size for easy carry-around. Recommended for ages 2+, this forward-facing car seat fits kids 22-50 lbs and 30-45 inches.
WAYB Pico gives parents a better choice rather than skipping the seat when traveling, the Pico can help keep kids traveling safer wherever they go.
The Pico is one of the best booster car seats along with the Mifold Hifold, in our recommended Booster Car Seats.
Is the compactness of the Pico seat the only perk to it, let’s read on to find out.
Table of Contents
Pros & Cons of the WAYB Pico Booster
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foldable to a compact size for easy carry around
- Narrow enough to fit 3-across
Cons
- Expensive
- Cover isn’t machine washable
- Installation process is long
- The seat is not well padded.
What is the WAYB Pico Booster Car Seat?
Booster seats come with a variety of features. Some of them are unique. But it’s hard to imagine a car seat that could be folded and carried around like a briefcase. The WAYB Pico car seat is a compact booster car seat that is changing the travel game.
Designed by the WAYB (pronounced as “way-bee”) company, this forward-facing seat, portable travel car seat meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and Federal Aviation Administration standards for cars and planes.
Suitable for children between the ages of 2 and 5; it can be used for a one-year-old kid but WAYB advises that you wait till your child is 2+. This fabulous seat is one of the most compact forward-facing car seats out there.
The whole seat weighs 8 pounds and it folds so compactly that it can be easily carried around. Talking about being compact, the Mifold Hifold booster seat is also a compact car seat when folded and could be the right option if you are looking for a seat for an older kid of 4+ years.
The WAYB Pico car seat is a more expensive booster and may be out of an option for parents on a tight budget.
The Mifold Hifold is a less expensive booster that can compete with pico when it comes to compactness and ease of use.
What comes with the WAYB Pico Booster Car Seat?
Firstly, before you unbox your Pico car seat, ensure that it’s the exact item you intended to purchase and want for your on-the-go needs.
This model comes with a seat, a travel bag where pico can be stored and carried, and the Pico Cup Holder. The 3 items make a complete package of WAYB Pico boosters, however, the travel bag and cup holder are optional but essential items that will allow you to make the best use of the seat.
The Pico Cup Holder has 3 adjustable positions to ensure it’s the perfect height for your child. Travel Bag is made from durable bluesign-certified recycled polyester.
WAYB Pico infant car seat is made with AeroWing aerospace-grade aluminum frame that offers a lightweight strength, and AstroKnit performance wool/polyester mesh fabric cover keeps kids cool and comfortable.
Who is the WAYB Pico Booster Car Seat for?
Traveling with kids can be a stressful experience, whether by car or plane. You have to deal with carrying your luggage, the kids’ luggage, travel car seats, and whatever thing the kids could snack on. You also have to keep an eye on them and keep them from playing around.
You need a lightweight, foldable and compact seat to relieve your stress. This is why WAYB Pico booster seats are designed.
The Pico booster is ideal for kids ages 2+ and within the range of 22-50 lbs. and 30-45 inches. Whether you’re ridesharing or road-tripping, Pico’s 5-point safety harness has you and your little ones covered.
Pico is easy to carry and stow. Folding down to a compact 11.6″ L x 14.5″ W x 18.9″ H, the Pico travel car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to and from the car.
Quite expensive and might not be the best option for parents with a tight budget. WAYB boasts that the safest car seat is the one you’ll actually take with you. So on the other side of its expensive price is its lightness and compactness.
Pico is perfect for travel and everyday use!
Similar Content
Where can I buy a WAYB Pico booster seat?
In general, Amazon will be a fast and easy option.
What are the age and size requirements for the WAYB Pico?
WAYB Pico car seat is suitable for kids between 2 and 5 years old and within the range of 22-50 lbs. and 30-45 inches.
As long as your child isn’t really way off the growth charts, I would say Pico will work for nearly all 4-year-olds and many 5-year-olds. That should be Your child will be ready for a travel booster once he or she is mature, bigger, and more comfortable.
Overall Rating
- Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(3.9 out of 5)
- Safety: ⭐⭐⭐(3.2 out of 5)
- Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0 out of 5)
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(3.8 out of 5)
- Market Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.4 out of 5)
| Our evaluation of this product is based on 4 metrics: 1) Safety, 2) Durability and 3) Ease of use, and 4) Market Consensus. We write about each of these metrics in its own section below. |
#1. Safety – How Safe is the WAYB Pico Booster Car Seat?
Total Safety Score = ⭐⭐⭐(3.2 out of 5)
In terms of Safety, we rate the WAYB Pico based on the formula below:
Safety Score = Safety Features + Certifications + Recall/Quality Issues
Safety Features ⭐⭐⭐
The WAYB Pico car seat passes all safety testing according to U.S. standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Manufacturers of booster seats pay little attention to the safety of their seats, they only focus on their design, compactness, and ease of transport. These manufacturers generally self-certify the safety features of their booster.
WAYB Pico is only a little above average when it comes to safety since it lacks advanced safety features that can guarantee maximum protection for your child. We spotted several complaints about the seat not being able to offer full protection.
A forward-facing car seat should have notable safety features such as a well-padded cushion seat, side impact protection, adjustable headrest, a latch system, and so on. This seat is not the best padded as it has no foam components.
The only notable safety feature of Pico is the AeroWing™ space-grade aluminum alloy that is ultralight, super strong, and absorbs energy forces in a crash.
Safety Certifications ⭐⭐⭐
Car and Aircraft: This car seat meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Recall/Quality Issues ⭐⭐
At this time this WAYB Pico review and according to the NHTSA database, there has been a recall for the booster seat, it was due to a broken or separated headrest that increases the risk of injury during a crash.
We also spotted 2 complaints on the NHTSA database, one was a complaint about the head support that kept breaking off while the other was about the contact complaining that the seat had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
| Tips: Keep your receipt. You should examine all sections of the seat as soon as you receive it. The sooner you can reach out to customer support, the better, as they might be slow to respond at times. Be ready to take pictures of the product defects if any. |
#2. Durability: How Long Can You Use WAYB Pico Booster Car Seat?
Total Durability Score = ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.0 out of 5)
In terms of Ease of Use, we rate the WAYB Pico based on the formula below:
Durability Score = Range of Use + Expiration + Warranty
Range of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Minimum weight limit recommendation is 22 pounds (10 kg) which should be equivalent to a 1-year-old child. WAYB recommends children be at least 2 years of age before using this forward-facing child restraint.
- Height is between 30 in. and 45 in. (76 cm and 114 cm).
- The maximum weight limit recommendation is 50 pounds (22.7 kg) suitable for children between 4 – 5 years of age.
- The minimum height limit recommendation is 30 Inches (76 cm).
- The maximum height limit recommendation is 45 Inches (114 cm)
- Weight range: 22 Pounds (10 kg) – 50 Pounds (22.7 kg)
| For the best use of the car seat, the manufacturer recommends the Range of Use. Exceeding those limits might be okay if you had to. In the end, though, it is about risk, safety, and your child’s comfort.If your baby weighs less than the minimum weight and height limit, you should not put them in the car seat. Additionally, the maximum weight and height limit also tells you if your child has outgrown the car seat, if you can’t already tell or if they aren’t complaining about it. |
Expiration ⭐⭐⭐
The WAYB Pico car seat expires 6 years from the manufacture date. Most car seats have their product life due to the constant wear and tear and hot/cold temperature change with different places you go. We have seen seats that can be used longer than six years, hence the 3-star.duration.
| Keep an eye on the expiration date as a safety precaution for your youngster. This information is provided by baby car seat manufacturers depending on the design and materials they employ. Due to the typical predicted wear and tear, car seats that have beyond their expiration dates are more likely to have safety hazards. |
Warranty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pico is covered by a 3 YEAR limited warranty, starting from the day it was purchased. Ensure that you complete your product registration and read the general warranty for more information.
WAYB gets it right with the warranty, it is a reflection of the confidence they have in their products. 3 years is one of the highest we have seen hence the 5-star.
#3. Ease of Use: How Will WAYB Pico Fit into Your car?
Total Ease of Use Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(3.8 out of 5)
In terms of Ease of Use, we rate the WAYB Pico booster seat based on the formula below:
Ease of use =
Installation + Adjustability + Maintenance + Carry +Stroller Compatibility
Here is a video on how to set up your WAYB Pico
Installation ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Installing a WAYB Pico is pretty easy and straightforward. Installation can be done using:
- Latch Installation System.
- Lap and Shoulder Seat Belt Installation.
- Tether Installation
We will be giving an overview of the latch installation system because WAYB strongly recommends installing the Pico with Latch. The Latch system generally allows for the easiest installation.
You can consult the manual for the seat belt installation and Tether installation.
Our review is based on research and from the installation manual. We strongly advise that you consult the manual for the installation process.
Here is a video on how to install a WAYB Pico car seat using Latch
Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to identify the seating locations with the LATCH Anchorage System. Select the seating location to be used and locate the vehicle’s lower anchors at the seat bight for that seating location.
- After selecting a seating location, if the vehicle seat back is adjustable, adjust the seat back into the most upright position or the position specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Avoid having the seat at the lowest position.
- Set up Pico for use by unfolding and locking into the use position.
- Lengthen the lower anchor belt by pressing the adjuster release button while pulling the belt to extend the length of the lower anchor belt.
- Remove the tether from the storage compartment on the back of the car seat and place it in the seating area of the car seat.
- Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle seat location selected with car seat centred between the vehicle lower anchors.
- Connect lower anchor connectors to vehicle lower anchors. Ensure that the lower anchor strap is not twisted. You should hear a click when the connector is locked with the anchor.
- Reach for the tether anchor for the seating location being used. Ensure to check the vehicle owner’s manual for tether anchor locations and proper routing of tether strap in relation to the vehicle headrest.
- Attach tether hook to vehicle tether anchor and pull strap to remove slack from the tether. Check that the tether strap is not twisted. Final tightening will occur in a later step.
- Tighten the lower anchor belt to secure the car seat. Place your hand in the center of the car seat bottom and use leverage to compress the car seat into the vehicle cushion while tightening the lower anchor belt.
- Snugly adjust the tether strap by pulling on the free end.
- Check for secure installation. Pull the car seat front to back and left to right to check for secure installation. The LATCH belt MUST stay tight. The car seat should not move more than 1 in. (25.4 mm).
Here is a video on how to install a WAYB Pico car seat using the lap and shoulder belt
Here is a video on how to install a WAYB Pico car seat on an Airplane
Adjustability ⭐⭐⭐
Unlike other regular car seats, the Pico is not that adjustable. The only adjustable features are the harness height and the headrest.
The harness straps are adjusted by pulling the free ends of the harness straps to snugly adjust harness straps so that shoulder belt webbing cannot be pinched with fingers to fold webbing.
Adjusting the headrest is quite easy, you only need to press the button on the back of the headrest base and move the headrest up or down to desired position
Maintenance⭐⭐⭐
Fabric pads of the seat are not easy to maintain as they are not machine washable, hence, the 3-star.
WAYB recommend spot clean using warm water with mild, wool safe labeled detergent when feasible.
You can remove the fabric pads and hand wash using warm water and mild, wool safe labeled detergent. Dry flat and away from direct sunlight before re-use or storage. DO NOT bleach, iron, or machine wash.
Carry-Around ⭐⭐
WAYB Pico is not stroller compatible. Only meant to be used as a booster car seat.
Measures & Specs
- Seat Weight: 10 lb / 4.5 kg
- Product Dimension: 15.2 x 27.8 x 14.5 inches
- Minimum User Height: 30 Inches (76 cm).
- Maximum User Height: 45 Inches (114 cm)
- Material Type: AeroWing™ space-grade aluminum alloy
- Weight: 8 Pounds
#4. Market Consensus: What others say about WAYB Pico booster seat
Total Market Consensus ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.4 out of 5)
In terms of Market Consensus, we rate WAYB Pico with a 4.4 star based on the formula below:
Market Consensus =
Customer Feedback (Quantitative) + Expert Reviews (Qualitative)
Customer Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating (4.6 out of 5 based on 133 ratings)
Note that for highly-rated products, we will avoid bombarding you with more praises about the product. We intentionally look for substantiated negative reviews or criticisms that add to our knowledge.
So, if you’re going to jump right into this section, know it has its own merits we’ve discussed before.
Selected Critical Pico Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic product. We just did 1000+ miles in this seat in two days, and it was much more comfortable than any other seat we have ever used. The best part: kids don’t sweat in it. Some parents have complained about the low buckle in the middle, but we found that is not an issue at all.” – Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I love the idea of this car seat. The install is amazing. I was only using this for a car, not airplane travel. The only thing that would be better is to have the buckle moved forward a bit to allow a bit more crotch room. My kiddo gets uncomfortable much faster it seems than other car seats on longer rides.” – Amazon Review
⭐⭐ “I am very concerned about this… I don’t have a way to return or I would. This seat does not protect your child’s head. There is no head support. I understand airplane travel but not for auto use. Very concerned about the fact that people are using this as a small alternative to an actual seat in cars. Very surprised this is actually allowed to be sold and actually received some kind of certification..” – Amazon Review
Expert Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Selected Expert Pico Review
“The WAYB Pico is a game changer for family getaways.” – NBC
“A truly affordable kids’ car seat that’s light, foldable, and safe.” – Fast Company
“Meet the car seat that will completely change the travel game.” – the BUMP
Conclusion of WAYB Pico Booster Seat Review
We would recommend the WAYB Pico booster seat for your booster needs. Especially for traveling families who are more concerned about the ease of use and carry around of a car seat. It is safe to say that the Pico is perfect for frequent travelers.
Also recommended for parents who would not who are not on a tight budget.
WAYB Pico is one of the most compact booster car seats out there, small enough to fit in 3-across most mid-sized vehicles and easily carry around when folded. The Pico is safe and comfortable for children between 2+ to about 5 years of age.
Amazon has seasonal offers from time to time. Check it out now to see if there is an ongoing deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How Do You Tighten A WAYB Pico?
A Pico seat is tightened using the harness straps and the buckle. Just pull all of the slack downward, towards the buckle, and tighten each harness strap at the hips.
Q2. How Do You Clean A WAYB Pico?
WAYB recommend spot clean using warm water with mild, wool safe labeled detergent when feasible. A WAYB Pico is not machine washable.
Q3. Can a WAYB Pico be used as a Rear-facing seat?
The Pico car seat is only meant to be used as a forward-facing booster. It is not rear-facing compatible.
Q4. What Is The Weight Of A WAYB Pico?
The car seat weighs 8 pounds.
